For immediate release

Contact: Diane Gendron Producer

Auditions announced for Bard in the Valley’s production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream by William Shakespeare

Auditions will be held Sunday, March 10 and Monday, March 11, to cast Bard in the Valley’s (BIV’s) 2019 production of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream directed by Darcy J. Knopp. This is Bard in the Valley’s 10th Anniversary and A Midsummer Night’s Dream was the first play BIV staged in 2010.

The audition does not require an appointment but if you would prefer to book a time, please contact director, Darcy J. Knopp at tinman_32@hotmail.com. Actors wishing to audition without an appointment are asked to arrive at the Douglas Recreation Centre – 20550 Douglas Crescent – on Sunday, March 10 at 12:30 p.m. or on Monday, March 11 at 7:30 p.m. to hear an outline of the production, performance expectations, rehearsal commitments, and to complete the audition form.

Callbacks will be announced.

Everyone auditioning will be asked to do a cold read from the script and will be given time to prepare with a scene partner. Some will be asked to read for specific roles. DO NOT send digital headshots or resumes. Bring a printed hardcopy headshot and resume to the audition to be turned in with the audition form.

This is a non-equity production. Everyone is welcome! For more information, contact producer
Diane Gendron at info@bardinthevalley.com.

Rehearsal dates

The read-through is on Sunday, March 31. Rehearsals begin on Monday, April 1. Rehearsals are on Sunday afternoons and Monday evenings (rehearsals on holiday Mondays will be rescheduled for location and/or time) along with a possible additional weekday rehearsal of smaller groups of actors, the timing of which will be mutually agreed upon by the participants.

Performance dates

Thursday, June 27, Friday, June 28, Saturday, June 29 and Sunday, June 30 in Willoughby Park on the amphitheatre stage.

July 5, 6, 7, 12 & 13 at the Township 7 Winery in Langley. The Sunday performance is a matinee only and begins at 2 p.m. Evening performances begin at 7:15 p.m.

Director

Darcy J. Knopp will return as director of this summer’s production. He had a lead role in BIV’s production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream in 2010. This is Darcy’s fourth time directing for Bard in the Valley including 2016s Taming of the Shrew and previous productions Julius Caesar and Comedy of Errors. A graduate of the UFV Theatre Program in 2008,Darcy is an actor, director, and playwright whose most recent credits include When Life Gives You Lemon Waters and Knight of Fools at the 2018 Siloam Festival, as well as,Canadian Content and Domestic Misconduct at the 2017 Dimes for Drama and Rickrack Festival.

Read-through: Sunday, March 31 at 12 p.m. at the Douglas Park Recreation Centre

Rehearsals begin: Monday, April 1 at 7 p.m. and are every Sunday afternoon from 12 to 4 and Monday evening from 7 to 10. Holiday Monday rehearsals will be rescheduled for location and time.

First performance: Friday, June 28

The Concept

The overall concept for this Midsummer Night’s Dream would be to focus on the haunted forest. This is the domain of the faerie folk. This is the place where they twist and warp reality. They create apparitions and visions to bewitch the intruders. The lovers are trespassing on faerie turf and must pay the penalty. They become the unwilling entertainment for the silly games of the Faerie Folk. It is really up to the likes of Oberon, Titania, and especially Puck, whether or not Hermia, Helena, Lysander and Demetrius make it out of the forest in one piece.We hope to bring a spooky twisted “Dream” to the stage summer 2019.

Casting Summary

We are looking for a cast of 15-16 actors.Some actors may play multiple roles.We are also looking for a few actors with a background in dance and movement.

We are looking for the best actor to play the role, not necessarily a particular gender. We encourage actors of all backgrounds to audition.

Characters

Theseus- He is the ruler of Athens a war hero returned to lead his city in the political realm. He is the coolest guy in the city and he is about to tie the knot. He is as popular as a modern-day George Clooney and is somewhat uncomfortable with the complicated duties of being the head of state.

Hyppolita- She is a warrior princess promised to Theseus. She is used to being the centre of attention and she maybe not be as enthusiastic about the big wedding day, and perhaps not 100% sold on her intended groom.

Philostrate- Theseus’ over-worked but extremely loyal aide. The boss is a better celebrity than he is a ruler, good thing Philostrate can keep the political parts of the machine running smooth.

Egeus- A firm supporter of Theseus during his war days he enjoys an influential position in Theseus’s court. He has come to demand judgement over the arranged marriage that his daughter is refusing. He is a bit of a high-strung chap and a stickler for the rules.

Hermia- Egeus’ headstrong daughter. She loves Lysander, but Daddy promised her to Demetrius whom she abhors. She is desperately seeking a way out of her betrothal.

Lysander – An affable Athenian youth who is head over heels for Hermia. Despite his state being equal or better than his rival, Lysander is not the man Egeus wants as a son-in-law.

Demetrius- Not a bad guy, though his reputation of being a bit of a “player” shadows him. Not to worry, he has struck a deal with Egeus to marry Hermia. Now if only Theseus would give his royal “okay” life would be perfect. Oh yeah, there is also the problem of stalker ex-girlfriend.

Helena- She is a prize worthy of the best of all the eligible bachelors of Athens. Unfortunately, she is hung up on the only guy in Athens who wants nothing to do with her. Maybe she is a little clingy…Maybe a little whiny…Maybe a bit of a drama queen.

Puck- AKA Robin Goodfellow. Puck is Oberon’s lieutenant and is known throughout fairyland as the chief troublemaker.

Nepala (first Fairy)- Titania’s messenger fairy who gets caught in the middle of the royal fairy feud.

Oberon- He is the King of the Fairies. His royally p.o.’d at his Queen. He wants revenge and will stoop to the lowliest of lows to get it.

Titania- The Queen of the Fairies who has defied her King’s demands to turn over the changeling boy to Oberon.

Other Fairies include Moth, Cobweb, Peaseblossom and Mustard seed

Bottom- A weaver by day, Bottom is the most interesting person in the world according to Bottom

Quince- The poor soul tasked with directing these oddball mechanicals in a play for the Theseus’ wedding

Flute- A simple bellows mender who yearns to be a wandering night, but gets stuck with the role in drag.

Langley BC: Bard in the Valley (BIV) is presenting Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet on three outdoor stages in Langley this summer, offering 16 performances between June 29 and July 29. This is Bard in the Valley’s ninth season and admission is still free at 11 of the 16 performances.

Romeo and Juliet is produced by BIV president, Diane Gendron and directed by Jacq Ainsworth. Ainsworth, who has had roles in past Bard in the Valley productions, is a UBC English Literature major with a minor in Theatre. In 2016, she earned the World Champion title in Taekwondo sparring and brings with her a wealth of knowledge of martials arts which she will be drawing on to create the cultural climate of Romeo and Juliet.

“When we first planned Romeo and Juliet as a Martial Arts Romance, I knew we would need a strong and talented production team,” comments Ainsworth, “and I have been lucky to have the very best, from the choreographers of the fight, intimacy and dance scenes to the production design, including costumes, set and graphics.”

“And my cast…wow! So much training and experience and some personal friendships have led this to be one of the closest, most trusting companies I’ve ever worked with,” comments Ainsworth. “They come to rehearsal fully prepared to dig deeper into the script which means we are spending all our time mining the text for the truth, in the story and in the relationships, which has resulted in everyone involved feeling a gamut of emotions at every rehearsal. “

“I am incredibly grateful to Diane Gendron, our Producer, and the Bard in the Valley Board of Directors for, not only giving me the opportunity to direct for them this year, but also for supporting me by finding me an amazing team of volunteers, ” says Ainsworth.

“Bard in the Valley’s Romeo and Juliet is a beautiful spectacle. It’s filled with romance, tragedy, discipline and joy,” adds Ainsworth.

“BIV is delighted to offer director, Jacq Ainsworth’s vision of this Shakespearean classic with its international flare and exciting martial arts fight scenes,” comments Gendron. “Her passion for theatre, and understanding of this play in particular, is clearly apparent in every scene.”

“We’ve welcomed two new movement experts onto our team for this production – Phay Gagnon, a violence and intimacy choreographer from Burnaby and Jordan Plaster, a Taekwondo/Weapons Master from New Westminster,” adds Gendron. “These two have added an exciting energy to the production.”

“Bard in the Valley is able to continue to offer this exciting, summer theatre admission-free thanks to generous community support. In addition, we have a terrific group of 60 talented actors, creative artists and dedicated people on the crew and production team who volunteer their time and energy for the season, including June Ainsworth who has taken on the role of production designer for this play” says Gendron. “This is our way of giving something back to the community.”

Chairs will be set up at all venues, and there is a concession. Audience members are welcome to come early, bring a blanket or lawn chairs and a picnic and spread out on the lawn in front of the stage. Donations are welcome to help cover production costs.

Summer 2017 Performance Dates:

On the lawn in front of Fort Langley’s historic community hall. Admission FreeJune 29 & 30 and July 1 (as part of the Canada Day Celebrations) – performances begin at 7 p.m.

The production is made possible with the generous support of the City of Langley, The Township of Langley, The Rotary Club of Langley, Deloitte, The Langley Times, Township 7 Winery, 24/7 Security, Tourism Langley, Wolfe Auto Group, Waterstone Law Group, The Aldergrove Rotary Club and MediaLink Graphic Design.

Summary

Three hundred years in the future, the polar ice caps have melted, the climate has changed dramatically and the supercontinent of Eurasia no longer contains the flooded out coastal countries. There has been mass emigration inland from Japan, India, Indonesia, Korea, China, Russia and Europe, with the result that multicultural communities have been forced to live together and work together to survive.

Many wars and territorial skirmishes over the centuries have reduced the population to a near-feudal state again. This is where we find that one town, Verona, has been placed under strict martial law with curfews and patrols to keep the citizens from open warfare in the street. It is a city trying to make its way forward amidst deeply rooted traditions in conflict. Capulet, a majority land owner in the area, tries to lead by example: strength in solidarity. His household still feels protective against the encroaching Montague family, who won many allies through its ingenuity in battle and fierce joy and discipline in its barracks. The two heirs of these families, Juliet and Romeo respectively, meet accidentally and realize that love, regardless of race and tradition, has a power greater than that of hate, to drive change.

NEWS RELEASE

Young aspiring actors, aged 11 to 15 years of age, are invited to register now for an exciting thirteen-day theatre workshop this fall. Bard in the Valley and the City of Langley are partnering again to create this opportunity for Langley’s youth. The workshops will be held on 12 consecutive Tuesday afternoons from 4:30 to 6:30 beginning on September 18 and ending with a performance on Friday, December 7.

A maximum of 14 young people will be introduced to improv theatre techniques and games, audition techniques, plot development, scriptwriting, costume designing, makeup application, set design, set construction and set decorating, stage managing, production team building, theatre etiquette and back stage cooperation.

The workshops will be held in the theatre at H.D. Stafford Middle School so the young actors will have the thrill of presenting a show on a stage for their friends and family on Friday, December 7. The dress rehearsal will be between 4:30 and 6 and the performance will be between 6:30 and 8 p.m.

Early registration is recommended because these workshops fill up quickly.

The BIV Youth Theatre Program goal is designed to foster in young people a sense of discipline, confidence, critical thinking and pride in accomplishments, so they can become positive contributors to the community.

These workshops will be led by Shane Rochon who will also write the production the children will perform at the final workshop. Shane is a graduate of Dawson College’s Professional Theatre Program in Montreal. He acts professionally as well as with local community groups. Shane directed the 2017 fall production at the Langley Playhouse – Memory of Water. Shane says “What inspires me when working with children is the self-discovery aspect and watching them grow in their self-confidence.”

For immediate release

Auditions announced for Bard in the Valley’s production ofRomeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare

Auditions will be held Sunday, March 18 and Monday, March 19, to cast Bard in the Valley’s (BIV’s) 2018 production of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet directed by Jacq Ainsworth.

The audition does not require an appointment but if you would prefer to book a time, please contact director, Jacq Ainsworth at jacqainsworth@gmail.com. Actors wishing to audition without an appointment are asked to arrive at the Douglas Park Recreation Centre – 20550 Douglas Crescent – on Sunday, March 19 at 12:30 p.m. or on Monday, March 19 at 7:30 p.m. to hear an outline of the production, performance expectations, rehearsal commitments, and to complete the audition form.

Callbacks are on Wednesday, March 21 at 7 p.m.

Everyone auditioning will be asked to do a cold read from the script and will be given time to prepare with a scene partner. Some will be asked to read for specific roles. DO NOT send digital headshots or resumes. Bring a printed hardcopy headshot and resume to the audition to be turned in with the audition form.

Auditioners with musical talent are encouraged to bring an instrument to play, and/or to prepare a short song to sing (no longer than one minute). Those wishing to perform together will be accommodated. Auditioners will be asked to follow a short martial arts-style workout routine, so please dress accordingly.

This is a non-equity production. Everyone is welcome! For more information, contact producer Diane Gendron atinfo@bardinthevalley.com.

Rehearsal dates: The read-through is on Sunday, March 25. Rehearsals begin on Monday, March 26. Rehearsals are on Sunday afternoons and Monday evenings (rehearsals on holiday Mondays will be rescheduled for location and/or time) along with a possible additional weekday rehearsal of smaller groups of actors, the timing of which will be mutually agreed upon by the participants.

Performance dates

Friday, June 29, Saturday, June 30 and Sunday, July 1 (as part of Fort Langley’s Canada Day Celebrations). All performances begin at 7 p.m. on the lawn in front of Fort Langley’s historic community hall.

July 6, 7, 8, 13, 14 at the Township 7 Winery in Langley. The Sunday performance is a matinee and begins at 2 p.m. Evening performances begin at 7:15 p.m.

Director

The play will be directed by Jacq Ainsworth. Jacq has been a member of the BIV team from the beginning. She was on stage in the first show in 2010, and was an acting coach for Twelfth Night. She has also had roles in The Tempest, MacBeth and Comedy of Errors with Bard on the Bandstand and directed Homechild for Surrey Little Theatre. She is a UBC English Literature major with a minor in Theatre. In 2016, Jacq earned the World Champion title in Taekwondo sparring and brings with her a wealth of knowledge of martials arts which she will be drawing on to create the cultural climate of Romeo and Juliet. Jacq’s version of this Shakespearean classic will have an international flare with martial arts fight scenes accompanied by a taiko drum band.

The play: Romeo and Juliet

Audition Dates: Sunday March 18 from 12:30 – 4 p.m. AND Monday, March 19 from 7:30 – 10 p.m. Callbacks: Wednesday, March 21Audition Address: Douglas Park Recreation Centre, 20550 Douglas Crescent, Langley City.Read-through: Sunday, March 25 at 7 p.m. at the Douglas Park Recreation CentreRehearsals begin: Monday, March 26 at 7 p.m. and are every Sunday afternoon from 12 to 4 and Monday evening from 7 to 10. Holiday Monday rehearsals will be rescheduled for location and time.First performance: Friday, June 29

Summary

Three hundred years in the future, the polar ice caps have melted, the climate has changed dramatically and the supercontinent of Asia no longer contains the flooded out coastal countries. There has been mass emigration from Japan, India, Indonesia, Korea and coastal China, with the result that multicultural communities have been forced to live together and work together to survive. Many wars and territorial skirmishes over the centuries have reduced the population to a near-feudal state again. This is where we find that one town, Verona, has been placed under strict martial law with curfews and patrols to keep the citizens from open warfare in the street. It is a city trying to make its way forward amidst deeply rooted traditions in conflict. Capulet, a majority land owner in the area, tries to lead by example: strength in solidarity. His household still feels protective against the encroaching Montague family, who won many allies through its ingenuity in battle and fierce joy and discipline in its barracks. The two heirs of these families, Juliet and Romeo respectively, meet accidentally and realize that love, regardless of race and tradition, has a power greater than that of hate to drive change.

List of principal characters

14 principal actors, 6-8 supporting characters/martial artists/dancers. Five of the roles will be men; Four of the roles will be women. The other characters can be played by either men or women. We are looking for the best actor to play the role, not necessarily a particular gender. We encourage actors of all backgrounds to audition.

The Overlord/Matriarch The ruler of Verona and surrounding lands. Wants the population to learn to live together in peace. Has seen too many countrymen fall and rise and fall, and is ready for a settled state.Capulet The principal land owner in Verona, earned this position through carefully avoiding the most glorious (hopeless) battles and annexing neighbouring lands as they became weak.Lady Capulet His wife, and heir to a long tradition of strong women who put family honour first.Tybalt Orphaned by the war, became Capulet’s ward. Hasn’t had many opportunities to earn honour since in the new “peace”.Juliet The Capulets’ true heir, cousin to Tybalt. A master of weapons and unbeaten in the sparring ring.Nurse Loyal servant of the Capulets, but tied historically to Lady Capulet’s line, primarily responsible for raising Juliet in her mother’s traditions.Peter The Nurse’s body man. Probably in love with her, but who knows. Poor beleaguered Peter.Montague Relative newcomer to Verona, earned prestige and allegiances in the wars by clever tactics and skilful negotiations rather than brute force.Lady Montague His wife, who probably secretly wishes they could have stayed where they were, where all her family was, before they relocated to Verona.Romeo The Montague heir, friend to all, mostly kept out of the fighting by his mother.Benvolio Romeo’s friend and conspirator in all things fun.Mercutio The Overlord’s/Matriarch’s cousin, drawn to Romeo’s youth and innocence. Has seen much blood shed in Verona.Paris Foreign lord of great beauty, but little power. Needs to marry well if he’s to gain sufficient honour to claim his inheritance.The friar/monk Honoured sensei to many warriors, this religious martial arts leader wants nothing more than for the wars to end so the community can rebuild stronger.

Members of the household (speaking roles with one scene each), martial artists, dancers

NEWS RELEASE

October 28, 2017 Langley BC: Young aspiring actors, aged 11 to 15 years of age, are invited to register now for an exciting, free, ten-day theatre workshop. Bard in the Valley and the City of Langley are partnering again to create this opportunity for Langley’s youth. The workshops will be held on 10 Tuesday afternoons from 3:30 to 6:30 beginning on November 7. The subsequent dates are: November 14, 21, 28, December 5 & 12 and January 9 & 16 with a performance on the final day (date to be confirmed).

A maximum of 14 young people will be introduced to improv theatre techniques and games, plot development, scriptwriting, costume designing, makeup application, set design, set construction and set decorating, stage managing, production team building and back stage cooperation. As part of the workshop, all the participants will be cast in a show that will be rehearsed at each session and then performed in front of friends and family on the final day.

The workshops will be held in the theatre at H.D. Stafford Middle School so the young actors will have the thrill of presenting a show on a stage.

The BIV Youth Theatre Program goal is designed to foster in young people a sense of discipline, confidence, critical thinking and pride in accomplishments, so they can become positive contributors to the community.

These workshops will be led by Shane Rochon who will also write the production the children will perform at the final workshop. Shane is a graduate of Dawson College’s Professional Theatre Program in Montreal. He acts professionally as well as with local community groups. He is currently directing the fall production at the Langley Playhouse – Memory of Water. Shane says “What inspires me when working with children is the self-discovery aspect and watching them grow in their self-confidence.”

NEWS RELEASE

September 10, 2017, Langley BC: Two 1940s radio plays will be performed live on stage at the Langley Event Centre on Tuesday, October 24. This second annual Halloween event is, once again, created by Bard in the Valley and sponsored by The Township of Langley. These fun, suspense-filled plays are served up with a buffet dinner.

“The two plays will take people back to an era when families sat in their living rooms in front of their radios listening to tales being masterfully and magically sent to them over the air waves,” said Diane Gendron president of Bard in the Valley and producer of these plays. “One of the exciting things about our productions is that the sound effects are being made live onstage. Audiences get to watch as the foley artists (the people who created the sound effects for radio) create the sounds of gun shots, fog horns and dead bodies hitting the ground.”

The two plays are:

An episode of The Whistler: The Necklace Was Incidental. This was first produced for airing on the radio in 1948.

An episode of The Adventures of Sam Spade: The Dead Duck Caper. This was first produced for airing on the radio in 1947.

There’s dinner, suspense, music and lots of fun as the foley artists create their magic.